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AMSTERDA 



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Hy HORACE SPRAGUE. 



A chaplet fricndsliip to entwine for theo, 
To hang a garland on the cypress tree; 
LovBd scenes unnoticed and neglected long, 
To honor, consecrate and give to s:ng ; 
This be our task. 



AMSTERDAM, N. Y. '. 
PRINTED AT THE "RECORDER" OFFICE. 

1860. 



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TO 



THE PEOPLE OF AMSTERDAM, 



THE FOLLOWING 



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IS nESPECTFCLLY IXSCKIBED BY 






THE AUTHOR. 



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Without any pretension to liigh poetic excellence, without hoping for these rem- 
iniscences more thnn a local interest, the Author gives this brief Poem to the public, 
at the request of his friends and former pupils in Amsterdam, relying on their in- 
dulgence to overlook defects, and if they find any thing erroneous or offensive, to 
forgive it. 

To weave these pleasant memories of other years into verse, was the work of a sea- 
son of painful confinement by sickness, and served to lighten its heavy hours, and 
to waken grateful emotions to Ilim who had so mercifully kept his footsteps 
through life's various changes. 

The writer of this article ventures to add to the notes appended to (his Poem, a 
brief sketch respecting one, whose labors during many years of ardent and devo- 
ted service, have not been exceeded by those of any other individual in forming 
the character of the inhabitants of this village, to say nothing of the many who 
have borne the fruits of his intellectual and moral training into other fields of 
Kbor. 

Horace Sphague was born in Mayfiold, in the then county of Montgomery, 
N. Y., August 1, 1798. He came to Amsterdam in 1821, where he continued in 
the business of teaching, most of the timo in the Academy, till 1838. A record 
of the many young men he fitted for College, and for the active business of life, 
and of the young ladies trained for the spheres they have been called to oecup}', 
would form an interesting chajjter in our local statistics. The faithful teacher, 
in holding a firm but salutary check over the waywardness of youth, necessa- 
rily encounters, sometimes, the opposition of the undisciplined will. But there 
are few instances where the reflection and experience of maturer years will not 
satisfy him that the restrictions, or it may be tho correction, which, at the time, 
he deemed severe, was in accordance with the law of kindness. 

Mr. Spraguo was of that class of teachers, (may the number be greatly increas- 
ed) who hold pecuniary advantage and personal case, subordinate to an ardent 
and untiring desire for the pupil's welfare and advancement — who find enjoyment 
in the school room because the heart is in tho work— who will forego food and sleep 
to elucidate a problem or fix a principle. 

From 1838 to 1842 he had charge of the Kingsborough Academy, and four years, 
from 1842 to 1846, he was Principal of tho Academy at Union Village, Washington 
county. lie then returned tohis former field, and continued in charge of the Kings- 
borough Academy till 1857, when on account of declining health, he resigned tho 



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IV IXTKODUCTORV. 

cares and responsibilities of the school-room, and since then has been occupied with 
such literary and other labors as the state of his health has permitted. In 1859 
he wrote and published a Poem entitled " GloversviHe,'^ in a neat volume of 130 
pages, including the Appendix, and during the past winter, while confined within 
doors bj' sickness, he has written the Poem herewith presented to the public. 

X. H. 
AiisTERDAM, March 29, 1860. 



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AMSTERDAI-A POEM. 



Pleasaxt to roam the varied scenes among, 
Of loved familiar haunts, when life was young : 
Pleasant the bonds of fricndsliip to renew, 
And blest to find our friends unchanged and true ; 
Yet sad and sorrowful to dwell upon 
The memory of those beloved and gone. 
A chaplet, Friendship, to entwine for thee, 
To hang a garland on the cypress tree ; 
Loved scenes unnoticed and neglected long, 
To honor, consecrate, and give to song, — 
This be our task ; which if you w^ell approve, 
'T will crown our labor — for 'tis one of love. 

Fair on those hills above and plains below, 

Unrival'd scenes of bloom and beauty show ; 

Yet first to catch the eye of all beside, 

The " mighty Mohawk" rolls its swelling tide, (a) 

Mohawk, though on thy shores no bugle-blast 

Wakes the hush'd echoes of a glorious past ; 

Though in thy vales no fame of victories won, 

Speaks an Arbela or a Marathon ; 

Or mouldering towers or castellated steep. 

Broad o'er thy waters their dark shadows sweep ; 

d 



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AMSTERDAM. 



Nor, beetling o'er thy bciglits, in ruin lower 
The blasted monuments of lawless power ; 
What the' with mystic spells thy conjured name 
Revives no memories of classic f;ime, 
Cro^-ning thy haunts with glories everywhere, 
Like Tiber, Aruo and Eurotas fair? 
Yet worthier honors crown and hallow thee, 
Haunt of free thought and home of Liberty. 

With time coeval and the clrcllrig sun 

Strong and unchecked thy restless course has run; 

Down the dark vale to Pludson's brighter floods, 

Fair mirroring on thy breast th' incumbent woods, 

And giving back, in all their varying dyes, 

The gay, fantastic drapery of the skies. 

Now calmly rests thy waters' smooth expanse, 

Now lapse thy waves — now in swift eddies dance ; 

And now a plunging cataract they foam. 

As if in haste to gain their Ocean home. 

Rich are the tones of thy majestic fall, 

And though perpetual, they never pall. 

Each note of melody discoursing still. 

From the soft murmur to the clarion thrill. 

Throughout God"s meted round of centuries, 

With no appreciating eye or ear but His ; 

As if of all His works it were his will 

That part should icear its primal glories still. 

And yet not all unnoted has thy flow 

Flashed its bright course, from ages long ago ; 

For round thj^ shores, in mountain, plain or glen, 

The red man roved — the forest's denizen. 



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^Vhose -wigv/am smoked rJong tliy banks; and tkrougli 

Tliy sparkling waters gkmced Iiis bark canoe ; 

Around, above, tlie woods, the air was rifo 

With being jubilant with very life ; 

Beasts roamed at will, birds wiug'd their fa.';ht unsearcd 

And with the red man joint possession shared ;; 

Nor this comprised their heritage and reign, 

But boundless realms, the half of earth's domain. 

A continent was left a wilderness — 

God's love of varied being to express, 

Who for th' instinctive and tlic irrational, 

Long subsidized this vast area all ; 

And left to Nature's ; fflaence to bear 

The myriad Ir'.bef, to susteutatc and rear. 

Where safe from cultured man, their being's foe, 

Life should be joy to live — a bliss to know. 

To lower Natures thus to minister, 

Shows G xl the same to all in every sphere : 

And satisfied with love's all glorinis plan. 

Without the crown of His creation — man. 

But Time revolving brought the world to see 

The modern Exodus from tyranny ; 

By persecution driven from Fatherland, 

Behold the wave-toss'd noble Pilgrim band ! 

Who, heaven-directed, brought to safe abodes, 

Their freighted treasures and their household gods ; 

Others, of various country, race and creed, 

Co-suflFerers from time to time succeed, 

Till the broad empire of the mighty West 

Was hail'd " the refuge of the world's opprcss'd." 



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AMSTErvDAJI. 



Whose balmy air all redolent of healtb, 

Whose fertile soil, a mine of natural wealth, 

Awoke the love of enterprise and gain, 

And brought adventurous thousands o'er the maiu. 

Soon cultured tracts appear and smile around, 

Fair cities rise and villages abound ; 

The advancing wave of population spreads, 

Where novelty attracts or interest leads, 

And with augmenting force it surges on, 

Till a whole realm has been subdued and won. 

Here on thy banks, fair Mohawk, first we trace 

The footprints of the hardy Belgic race. 

Whom Nature dower'd with many a worthy gift, 

And not the least with honesty and thrift. 

Their habits, customs, manners, and so forth, 

With all their claims to excellence and worth, 

Are, with all gravity, described, we see. 

In Deidrick Knickerbocker's history ; 

How that their vrows were matrons number first 

All in and out to sci'ub and scour and dust ; 

That all their wares of pewter and of brass 

Were burnished brighter than the looking-glass ; 

How that the scrub-broom, plied three times a day, 

More than by treading wore their floors away ; 

2\nd how in horror of untidy feet, 

Their sanctums to preserve, they scrub'd the street. 

And of Mynheers themselves the tale to tell. 

How they contrived their burly bulk to swell, 

The pipes they smoked, what muddled liquors quaff 'd, 

The stale and vapid wit, at which they laughed ; 



<B - =0 

A P E M . S 

Their woiid'rous stories from traditions old, 

Oi spooks and bogles and of goblins bold ; 

How drunken tapsters, the big duyvel saw 
Astride the barrels when they went to draw, 
How midnight roystcrers, on their reeling side, 
Saw headless horsemen gallop at their side, 
Who now assault their front, and now their rear 
Till at the churchyard gate they disappear. 
How Hendrick Hudson's flying ship is seen, 

Nightly careering, filFd with doughty men. 
Holding its course above the Tappan sea ; 
With sails all set, and bound for Albany ; 
And yet no port it touches, here or there. 
And never ships or lands a passenger ; 
Thus Knickerbocker, in facetious style, 
Burlesques the Dutch, to win his reader's smile. 
But other meed than this the truth requires : 
Nor shall the muse withhold what truth inspires. 

An honor'd lineage theirs, a worthy race. 

Whose hearts were truth's abode and honor's place, 

Who all the social virtues cherished dear. 
Faithful in friendship and in honor clear ; 

Guileless themselves no fraud in others deem'd, 
But giving confidence where virtue seem'd ; 

Their generous Natures often led to find 

Their faith abused, were trusting, still and kind ; 

For goodness spite of wrong and guileful arts 

Aye throbs impulsive, in ingenuous hearts. 

This be their honor'd meed while time shall be — 

Their simple truth and sterling honesty. 



10 AMSTERDAM. 



In Mohawk's vale they long abode in peace, 

Content with toil their substance to increase, 

IniprovemenE wax'd apace on every hand, 

And bloom and varied fruitage crowned the land. 

Amid the rustic dwellings scatter'd round 

The palace of Guy Park the landscape crowned ; {h) 

And flanked with hills that stooped the plain to meet 

Rose Johnson Hall, his favorite retreat ; 

Where was dispensed spontaneous and free, 

Sir William's princely hospitality. 

At length the peaceful scene is overcast — 

Sweeps thro' the vale a wild tornado's blast ; 

War's thunderclouds deep, dark, are hanging o'er, 

The lightnings flash, the blood-dyed torrents pour. 

And what the fate these dwellers doom'd to share 

To peaceful arts inured, unskill'd in war ; 

Thus summon'd forth to ward, in battle's shock, 

The bloody knife and murderous tomahawk ; 

Their flocks forsaken and their fields untill'd 

Their dwellings wrapt in flames — with slaughter fill'd ; 

Sons, daughters, wives from their embraces torn — 

Victims of lingering death or captives borne ; 

Their homes despoil'd their altars desecrate, 

Say, what shall snatch them from the brink of fate ? 

Thy form, 0, vengeance, rose the carnage through 

And where a "man survived, a hero grew. 

Oppression's hosts were check'd and driven back 

Purpling with their own gore their bloody track. 

The rout was total and the strife was done — 

To chase a thousand freedom asks but one. 



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A poe:.i, 11 

The storms of war all over, past aud gone, 
Men haird of peace the cheerful comings on ; 
Trades, arts and tillage, stagnant in wars strife, 
Upsprang, as if by magic, into life. 
Improvement's busy hand is seen again, 
Culturing to beauty, valley, hill and plain. 
And thou, fair Mohawk, mirror'd in thy breast 
As lovely scenes as "Araby, the blest." 
Thy shores by war made desolate and waste, 
The peaceful Arts again with beauty graced ; 
Where o'er thy gorgeous landscapes spread, were seen 
Rich cultured fields flower'd meads and pastures green. 
And lovely to the view the fiirm-house rose — 
The home of toil and innocent repose : 
Where tributary streams, from south or north, 
Wedded thy waters, villages had birth, 
Foster'd by rivalship and Nature both. 
These early sprang into a vigorous growth ; 
Studding thy fertile banks, now, score by score, 
They've risen to various ranks of wealth and power. 
But queen among them all, thou bear'st the palm. 
Our own and cherish'd village, Amsterdam, (c) 

If features regular and symmetrical 

Must form the ensemble that we beauty call, 

If, to be perfect deem'd, the age must trace, 

In all their contour, every line of grace. 

We make no claims, such qualities may be 

With weakness link'd and imbecility. 

Though grace and beauty hold an envied sphere, 

Strength, the true basis is of character ; 



12 AMSTERDAM. 

On Tvliicli -wliatever qualities we build 
Utility must aye the structure gild. 
Which from adaption fitted to produce 
Convenience, benefit, advantage, use, 
Shows an array of more substantial charms 
Than grace embelishes or beauty warms. 
These be the dower of thrifty entei-prize, 
Such as in Amsterdam we realize. 
By Chuctammda's headlong, fitful tide 
The beauteous village rises in its pride, 
Broadens its presence on the rugged hills 
And sweeping thro' the plain the landscape fills. 
Lifts its fair form, the ambient skies to greet 
While Mohawk's flowing waters bathe its feet. 
W^hat more it is, or what it yet may be, 
We pause to trace its early history, 
And brief relate, as truthful annals show 
Its humble fortunes, sixty years ago. 

Lone and sequestered here a hamlet stood, 
Named Veddersburg — the men of Bclgic blood ; 
A quiet people as we've sung or said, 
To honest toil and humble virtues bred ; 
Vedder, DeGrafF, Marselis, Yanderveer, {d) 
TenEyck, Groat, Osterhout, we mention here ; 
And others, if recorded, would reveal 
Paithful CO -laborers for the general weal. 
But came at length their prospects to deface 
The Yankee tribe, a restless, wandering race ; 
Not border ruflSans, sure, a bafilcd band. 
But with successful raid, they took the land. 



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A POEM. 13 



These honest chvellers never thinking ill 
And none suspecting, welcomed v,'ith a will 
This new accession to their thrivino- state 

o 

For leisurely repentance when too late. 

Their kindness fail'd for once, its fruits to win ; 

They took the strangers, and were taken in. 

To catch a Tartar means, you doubtless know. 

That you yourself are caught and he won't go. 

And thus theso Dutchmen to their quiet home 

Fancied the duyvel and his imps had come. 

A Hoosier self-described — a fierce Bardolph, 

Half horse, half alligator, spiced with wolf. 

And Paddy's brogue, his bulls and blundering wit, 

A careless touch or random stroke will hit : 

But for a Yankee, words tho' marshal'd well 

Find no similitude or parallel. 

Though Vandals we could paint, or Huns or Celts, 

Yankees meant Yankees then, and nothing else. 

Whatever callings nurtured in and bred, 

Their forte lay in the labors of the head ; 

And since all servile toil they scorn'd to brook, 

To bargains, traffic, trade, they mostly took, 

And proved themselves a class of plunderers 

Whom moderns call " successful financiers." 

Nothing they deem'd too small or great of course 

Whether to swap a jacknife, or a horse ; 

On smallest gains intent, and ever willing, 

To give twelve cents in change to get a shilling. 

And always ready, in a business way, 

Of settling debts with " promises to pay." 



D 

1-1 AMgTERDAJl. 



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A bargain to aclueve, how sliarp tlieir.wit ! 

How hard they whittled, aud how fierce they spit, 

Lying their way to ten pounds or a penny, 

Their consciences on furlough, if they'd any. 

How Yankee manners suited most Mynheers] 

Of character and substance hence appears. 

One of this class with fortune satisfied ; 

These bold new comers harass'd most and tried ; 

To sell his house and farm, and what was worse, 

Teased over-much to sell a favorite horse — 

" What, sell mine house and farm — you tink I'll die 

And never want 'em ? Dat is one big lie :" 

And then while fiercer anger clouds his brow, 

" I sell mine horse ? I'd rather sell mine vrow." 



But not to tire or forther to rehearse 
Tradition's dubious tales in prosy verse ; 
That these two races may receive their due 
Of praise or censure, each pertaining to, 
One, honest, simple, credulous, sincere. 
And one all opposite in character ; 
If you are doubtful how the two to class. 
Just read the story of the " Yankee Pass." 
But must these pioneers be counted then 
To represent all true New Englend men ? 
This refuse and offscouring of their land 
Of all it was, the just exponents stand ? 
No : for among themselves tradition shows 
Many for worth distinguished, these from those ; 



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A POEM. 

The memory of wliom Las ceased to be 

Lost in the general uotorietj. 

And farther still, of those fair ingle sides, 

Where genius nestles and where truth abides, 

Where honor dwells, where ever}^ virtue blooms, 

Those happy Puritan New England homes ; 

Hence flow\l the streams with which our Belgic blood 

Consociate and imminglcd was imbued. 

Thus from a double ancestry v^e trace 

The honored lineage of a virtuous race. 

Nor least have Scotland's sons a A^ested claim 

With these to share their heritage and fame ; 

Whose sterling qualities have here given birth 

To much of mental wealth and moral worth. 

Long was the time before the era rose 
Of railroads and canals, when light batteaux 
With snowy sails on jMohawk's bosom sliow'd. 
And six-horse Avagous trail'd the turnpike road. 
T 'was then and here the rural village stood 
Whose dwellers were a worthy brotherhood ; 
Whose common wants and common interests blend, 
Co-working to attain a common end ; 
And plant the germs upspringing soon to tower — 
The vigorous growth of social wealth and power. 
Intent the highest good should be their rule, 
They build the village church, the village school. 
(Mark where such dwellers make their firm abode 
Both preacher and school-master are abroad.) 
That old brown school-house; dear to memory still, 
Stood eastwardly upon yon rising hill ; 



15 



=3 

16 AMSTEFxCAM. 



With scatter'd trees around and near a -wood, 
In calm, sequestered, needful solitude. 
0, blissful period ! -when, untaught to roam 
Beyond our pleasant school and happy home, 
Our conscious hearts and guileless natures prove 
A father's guardian care, a mother's love. 
In childhood's reign of pastime, glee and mirth, 
Heaven seems to rest but just above the earth ; 
■ For sure we breathe its rich, ambrosial air. 
And Eden's beauties blossom, everywhere. 
How jocundly we hail'd the sunny spring. 
The gay green fields, the early blossoming 
Of that first flower, in childhood we behold, 
The dandelion with its crown of gold ; 
The violets too, of various tinted dyes. 
For beauty and for fragrance less a prize, 
Thau for the game of roosters which we play'd 
In some snug nook beneath the willow shade. 
Full oft we rov'd, the fragrant meadows thro', 
For clover blossoms full of honcy'd dew, 
And the ripe strawberry's luscious sweets express'd — 
Of Summer's fruitage earliest and best. 
Or chased the butterflies, those wondrous things. 
That birdliugs seem'd, or breathing flowers with wings ; 
Or when beside the running brook we stray'd 
And listen'd to the music that it made. 
It seem'd upon our simple hearts impress'd 
That a live, breathing spirit heaved its breast. 
Thus free from every care and free from rule, 
We spent the pleasant intervals of school. 



■ m 

A P E >I . 17 

The teacher was a man of cultured powers, 

From classic walks of Academic bowers, 

Skillful alike and happy to impart 

To youug aud old the treasures of his Art ; 

Shepard his name and his disciples proved 

Him a good shepherd worthy to be loved. 

Not stern, but earnest, firm, yet gentle still. 

He temper'd rule Avith love which love did well fulfil. 

But time, at length, reveal'd, as years rolFd on. 

The flock forsaken and the Shepard gone. 

How worth survives, in young hearts, sanctified, 

Their sorrows spake it when the good man died. 

That hall of Science on the village green, 
Enclosed, in trees embower'd — a cheerful scene. 
IMiuus a wing, one story and a bell. 
Was once the village tavern or hotel. 
A lion graced the sign, that swung at will, 
Fit symbol of the power within — to kill. 
Wagons and coaches in bizarre array. 
The broad area crowd and choke the way ; 
Stage drivers, rough and idle loiterers throng 
The motley group of travelers among. 
Of public travel then, the only mode 
Was that by stages on the turnpike road, 
And thronging emigrants were all in quest 
Of some dream'd El Dorado of the West. 
These were the palmy days of tavern lords. 
Of stage proprietors and large awards ; 
When every mile disclosed a tavern stand 
And the supply scarce equal'd the demand. 



18 



AMSTERDAM!. 



Stage owners and landlords were coimted then 
Among our wealtliiest, most substantial men. 
And little dream'd they of the coming day, 
When railroads and canals should hear the sway ; 
Or ever thought that they should look upon 
Their oeeui^ation, like Othello's, gone. 
A tavern home, (once ours, as well we ken,) 
The earthly paradise of single men ; 
Free from all care, content and at our ease 
To stay, to go, to come whene'er we please • 
To have our table spread with. sumptuous fare, 
And all supplied without our thought or care ; 
To have each wish met cheerfully the Arhile, 
And every service render'd with a smile ; 
To feel our value in the joy we give. 
At each return — the sorrow, when we leave ; 
In whatsoe'er we wish, to have our will, 
And only ask'd, iu turn io foot the hill ; 
What wonder, then, if many should prefer 
The independent life of bachelor ? 
Yet 'tis a wrongful evil to endure, 
And which no nostrum yet avails to cure. 
Now 'tis our confident and firm belief 
There's but one remedy can give relief, 
To quell the bachelors you understand : 
Burn every inn and hotel in the land, 
And thus, fair maids the fugitives can win^ 
And a new era of the world begin. 

Those were the times the era of strong drink 
Ere men had learn'd of temperance to think; 



A P E .AI . 19 

When rum was deem'd by all, by all agreed 

As Grod's good creature aud a common need ; 

Wlien men could touch the borders of excess 

xVnd never dream it smack'd of drunkenness, 

If having guzzled to their full content, 

They stagger'd not or zigzag'd as they went ; 

"When none incurr'd the drunkard's deep disgrace. 

Until the gutter form'd their lodging place. 

Of the unfortunates, all dead and gone. 

The history is sad to dwell upon. 

And thou Orlando, once by all allow'd, 

"With noble qualities and gifts eudow'd. 

In morals pure, of upright character, 

And winning honors in thy chosen sphere ; 

Stung by the serpent of the insidious cup 

Thou felt'st the withering of every hope. 

Laid on the bed of death, no more to rise, 

fSoul-pierccd, we saw thy untold agonies, 

Those ashy lips, that wild distracted stare. 

Told of the woe v>-itliin — the scorpion there ; 

Delirium's phantasies had filFd the room 

With fiends that rush'd to drag thee to thy doom ; 

When with a fearful shriek, as of the accurst, 

From its investing clay, thy spirit burst. 

0, saddest fiite, to him of mortal birth 

Whose doom retributive begins an earth ! 

As for the rest, let them forgotten lie. 

While silence best proclaims our charity. 

And yet the portraiture of crazy Jim 

While harming no one, 't would amuse, to limn. 



m 



20 



AMSTERDAM. 



His frenzy -wrought up by a single glass, 
No Typboness could rival or surpass. 
Like her inspired, but not to be a seer, 
His taste was to enact the charioteer. 
To prove his skill, therefore, the space around 
The taveni signpost was his chosen ground : 
The problem this — the smallest circle yet 
That he could safely run and not upset. 
Jim mounts his wagon — starts his nimble horse 
And darts like lightning on his whirling course. 
Round after roimd as fiercely he careers, 
With lessening radius, he the centre nears ; 
Nearer and nearer still, with mad control. 
He sweeps his circles closer to the goal, 
Till his cramp'd gear is capsized with a hitch 
And Jim and horse are lumber'd in the ditch. 
How the spectators checr'd — the rowdies roar'd — 
And Jim's enactment, how it was encored ! 
This was a feat in which he used to exult 
And oft enacted with a like result. 
Jim's sad experience, one town-meeting night, 
Proves him a most ill-star'd and luckless wight. 
Now Jim when sober was a right good fellow, 
But a fell demon when a little mellow. 
So on that night, he, following his bent. 
With all the freaks a madman could invent, 
Raised such a turmoil and uproarious rout, 
That soon the cry was heard of " Turn him out." 
Four brawny hostlers seized and bore their load 
Fierce struggling, to the centre of the road, 



=a 



A POEM. 21 



Where was a liorsc poud charged with mud and snow, 

(Let drunkards thank their stars for pavements now.) 

In which they plunged him headlong and outright — 

Jim sunk a moment, then emerged to sight. 

Standing in mud and water to his armpits, 

What wonder if he experienced some alarm fits. 

Not Atlas show'd, upon his mount of snows, 

Hair so bedrizzled, so bedropped his nose ; 

Not Thetis rising from the stormy sea, 

Looked half so dripping and so drench'd as he. 

With terror and astonishment made dumb, 

Jim really thought his reckoning had come ; 

But when he heard their taunts, their scoffs and jeers — 

Sounds quite]^ familiar, to his practised ears, 

He made a desperate rush to gain the shore ; 

But how could one withstand the power of four ? 

Hurl'd back again into the wintry flood, 

Jim took a second bath of snow and mud. 

Though down, his blood was up, and up again 

He rose, " to die or do" with might and main. 

But after battling long and getting more 

Of plungings and of sousings than a score, 

Jim, passive in the mud, said, ruefully, 

'' I'm whipped, that's certain, and laid out to dry." 

Of his submission then to show the proof, 

He begged for rj[uarters and they let him off. 

What doctors fail to do, cold water can, 

For Jim reformed, became a sober man. 

Ye tipplers all forsake the drunkard s path 

Less worse betide you than a water bath. 



B- 



AMSTEllBAM. 



From Main to Gliureli street as we northward go 

East side, once stood the painter's studio — 

None knew his history and many deeni'd 

His rank superior to what it secm'd ; 

No anchorite or hermit of the glen 

Show'd less than he of sympathy with men ; 

Though in life's intercourse to many known, 

'T was his no kindred tie no friend to own ; 

Some moral taint, t 'was thought, in secret pray'd, 

That of his blighted heart a ruin made ; 

'T was here when young we gaiii'd in whole or part 

Oar first impressions of the mimic art ; 

Our Rembrant, like most folks from Yankee land. 

To more than one branch prompt could turn his hand ; 

From plain house painting, he could range, be sure, 

At will, to portrait, landscape, miniature ; 

A sign-board, coach or sleigh he painted Avell, 

And even in landscape ho was thought to excel ; 

But such achievements were beneath his aim, 

On portraits he aspired to build his fame ; 

When casual visitors sought his studio, 

To view his paintings, gaily placed for show, 

A critical remark or fault cxj)rcss'd. 

Most commonly stir'd up a hornet's nest ; — 

Painters like poets, so the world agree, 

Are of the genus irritahile ; 

And ever ready on the least pretence 

Of .critical remark to take offence. 

Thus when we ask'd, in miscellaneous chat, 

Whose is this portrait now, and whose is that ? 



0: 



(B- 



A r E M . 23 

With clioler choking and with fiasliing eyes, 

What, don't you know your neighboi's ? he replies ; 

You must be very stupid — very dull, 

Why this is Thompson's, that is Smith's, numbskull. 

It seems that you don't know or else forget 

That all these portraits are unfinished yet ; 

That after all the labor I bestow 

'Tis the last touches must the likeness show. 

Yet from our after knowledge, well we wat. 

His portraits their last touches never got. 

Peace to his ashes — with no thought of wrong 

We give this sketch — one incident among 

Others, which to relate, a glimpse may show 

Of this community, an age ago. 

The north-west angle made by market street 
And Main, where now as then they cross or meet ; 
Where now the crowded mart of business shows, 
The village church, a modest structure, rose. 
Clad in the simj)le garniture of white — 
Symbol of purity, it met the sight. 
(Yet in its age, it look'd antique and quaint, 
All weather-worn and innocent of paint,) 
Without, within, 't was simple, neat and plain, . 
No costly carpets, Brussels or Ingrain, 
No astral lamps to shed their dreamy light, 
No burnish'd chandeliers to blank the sight ; 
No music of the organ to aspire 
With its o'er-mastering tones to drown the choir ; 
Such then unknown — or known, were not allow'd ; 
The worshipj)ers were humble and not proud. 



=© 



24: ' AMSTf:itDAM. 



No stoves were used in cliurcb, or furnaces, 

Of genial warmtli to temper the degrees. 

Of fire no need, from cold they felt no harm, 

Whose faith ^yas ardent and whose hearts were warm. 

The use of stoves, in time, at length instal'd 

Some, innovation, some, improvement call'd. 

On rickety supporters, four feet high. 

They jjlaced them, both to warm the gallery, 

And by a downward current to diffuse 

All needed warmth and comfort to the pews. 

Though right in many things, herein we see, 

They were not posted in philosophy. 

But Time, the solver of all mysteries 

Taught, heated air sinks not, but tends to rise. 

This theory at length, when proven true, 

Brought down the radiators to the pew. 

The attentive group that throug'd the house of prayer 

Weekly to mingle in devotion there, 

Whose very forms, whose features varied play, 

Seem present as the visions of to-day ; 

The reverend sire of years and honors full 

The active, strong, the young, the beautiful, 

After a lapse of less than forty years 

Where are the many ? ask their sepulchres. 

Their standard-bearer where, who led the van, 

The clo(|uent, the accomplished Silliman ? (e) 

"A bright particular star" whose morning ray 

Alas ! paled all too soon in Heaven's own day. 

And Wood, with perfect form of finest mould, (/) 

Whose classic features eloquently told, 



A P E M . 25 

With the rare grace that love and honor win 

Of the superior soul that reign'd within. 

Gifted with native powers of eloc|uence, 

Yet unambitious and without pretence. 

And able yviih the loftiest to compeer, 

He chose his mission in a humbler sphere. 

And while his labors knew no interval 

While valued, honor'd and beloved of all, 

Sudden, mysterious, all before his time, 

He fell, death-stricken, in his manly prime. 

And he we next record, of kindred nane, {g) 

A mind of energy, a heart of flame ; 

By Nature form'd for mastery and rule. 

Of purpose resolute, in judgment cool. 

Unknown the truth to compromise or hide, 

No timid follower but opinion's guide ; 

He wrought a work on morals and on mind, 

A legacy that few have left behind. 

A fervid eloquence a tireless zeal, 

A heart inspired to sympathise and feel 

For man's best interests, toils induced, at length 

Blasting his health and withering his strength, 

More genial climes, by duty led to try, 

For aid remedial, yet resign'd to die. 

The law that doom'd to death was soon repeal'd, 

And he that made the wound in mercy heal'd. 

More arduous labors in a wider sphere, 

Now signalize his prosperous career. 

And Koontz, in early manhood's flush and bloom, (h) 

Came to exchange his labors for a tomb ; 



Qz 



=0 



26 A5ISTEKDA5I.. 



His work scarce enter'd on, so mticli desir'd,. 
Sudden be fell and in his strength expired. 

Of tliose tlie Hurs and Aaron's pass'd away, 

Firm pillars once to strengthen and tipstay, 

Clizbe, the veteran pioneer we name, {i) 

The first in A'irtues, as the fii'st in fame. 

With mind to comprehend and heart to feel 

For every interest of human weal ; 

Knowing the social structure, well to place,. 

Religion is the true and only base ; 

On such foundation deep and broad to build 

He labored, till he saw his hopes fulfill'd. 

Through all his pilgrimage he toil'd and car'd 

The work to beautify, in which he shar'd ; 

And free bestowed to foster its affairs, 

His influence, means, his counsels and his prayers. 

Till changed, the good man cheerful met his doom, 

Belov'd in life, lamented in the tomb. 

Blest is the memory of the Christian sage. 

Thrice blest, not only to his lineage,. 

But to the world, a rich, enduring heritage. 

Yet minor interests were not less pursued 

And cherish'd to advance the public good ; 

And chief among them all the healing art 

Has merited and held an honor'd part ; 

Physicians skillful, faithful to their trust, 

In each relation honorable and just, 

Whose ready art from languishment and pain 

Has oft relieved and health assured again ; 



®fr 



©= 



A P E M . 27 

Friends of our lives, your skill proloug'd, to you, 
We pay the gratitude and homage due ; 
From open praise the living are debar'd — 
Be conscious merit then your best reward. 

The grateful muse rejoices to recal 

Those most endear'd remembrances of all, 

Those times of primitive simplicity, 

When minds and hearts were fashion'd to agree. 

When grades of caste and classes were unknown, 

For all were equals of one class alone : 

When in their social gatherings you'd sec 

But the re-union of one family : 

Sincere in friendship without guile or art. 

Their words were truthful heralds of the heart ; 

To others'' interests faithful as their own. 

Quarrels and strifes to them were scarcely known. 

In these domestic circles which cushrin'd 

The choicest treasures, both of heart and mind, 

'T was ours to mingle and to feel the force 

Of cultured and improving intercourse ; 

Within their homes our early years to spend, 

Welcomed as brother, son or valued friend ; 

And feel the influence wrought upon our youth. 

Still bind to honor and the love of truth ; 

Those hallowed scenes shall never be effaced, 

But bright oases shine through memory's waste. 

And one Benevola, of humble name, {j) 

Fain would the muse her merits give to fame ; 

To fashion's polished circles all unknown, " 

In life's se(][uester'd walks, her course she run. 



28 



AMSTERDAM. 



Though for her household faithfully she cared, 
Friends, kindred, neighbors, all, her goodness shared ; 
When sickness harrass'd, she, the couch beside, 
Nurse or physician, each or both supplied ; 
Prompt at the cries of suffering to attend, 
All felt and claim'd her as the general friend. 
From such a ministry of fifty years. 
To this community what good inheres. 
And what to her is due of multiplied arrears ? 
Now old, infirm and sinking to the grave, 
She needs the faithful ministry she gave. 
0, grateful then return the service due — 
Forget her not, for she remembcr'd you. 
Sweet to revolve again the golden hours. 
When young and ardent we essay'd our powers 
To rival to surpass or emulate 
Our fellows in the arena of debate. 
Life most of interest most of j)leasure finds 
In the fraternity of kindred minds. 
And thus in friendly rivalship we strove, 
Our power and skill in argument to prove ; 
Now victors and now vauquish'd, till at length, 
Minds form'd for mastery, here learn'd their strength. 
For men of lofty place and character. 
Their first developments expei'ienced here. 
To cite the arguments, to dwell upon 
The merits of debate, who lost, who won. 
Or who by deeds of argumental strife. 
Presaged their own renown in future life. 
Is not our aim ; but simply to recal 
That scene of life, the happiest of all ; 



E= 



A P E M . 29 

That time of first endeavor when we wrought 

To tram the reason, to develop thonght, 

And form'd the indissoluble tie that binds 

In lasting fellowship, congenial minds, 

One, an occasional, welcome visitor, 

Clizbe should have a grateful record here. 

To crown our gatherings and to give them zest, 

'T was only needful he should be a guest. 

In every sense he was our model man, 

The elegant, the accomplished gentleman ; 

In manners winning, affiible, polite, 

And everywhere the general favorite, 

And yet of cultured powers and tastes refined, 

In liberal science train'd and disciplined. 

Of genius versatile, discursive, strong, 

Afl3uent of thought and eloc|uent of tongue, 

Of knowledge ample, various, diffuse, 

Free of bestowal, prodigal of use, 

His presence charm'd, his converse wiser made, 

AVhether 't was reason ruled or fimcy play'd. 

0, noble, generous spirit, all too soon, 

Thy life of sunshine ended at midnoon, 

And yet its light diffused is beaming still ; 

In many a heart it glows, unquenchable. 

Sweet is the view of mountain, vale or stream 
Where forests grow, flocks stray and waters gleam j 
Pleasant to roam by Mohawk's pebbly side, 
Bathe in its flood or o'er its waters glide ; 
But more romantic and more arduous still, 
Threading its rocky channel up the hill. 



m= 



30 



AMSTERDAM. 



And onward following its wiudiug course, 

To trace the Chuctanunda to its source ; {k) 
Oft we essay'd it and as oft cav'd in ; 

Some Parke or Lander yet the prize must win. 

Whether with wintry floods thy channel roars, 

Or, parchxl with drought, no murmur wakes thy shores, 

Whether at times, thou choosest to enact, 

Niagara's tliundering, headlong cataract. 

Or thy coy waters shrinking from the day. 

In darkness faintly mur)nuring, steal away ; 

Hail, Chuctanunda, wild Protean stream, 

The poet's welcome and inspiring theme ! 

Thou symbolizest life in every stage. 

In every change from infancy to age ; 

Neigliboring its source thy tiny rill is seen 

A thread of silver in a web of green ; 

Now 'neath the matted grass we mark its flow 

Where ranker growth and deeper verdure show ; 

Now stealing from obscurity to-day, 
Its lapsing, infant waters'prattling stray. 
By kindred rills augmented, now it flows. 

Sparkling and jubilant as childhood shows ; 

In youthful vigor now, with urgent force, 

Broader and deeper it impels its course, 

Whether the headlong cataract to spring 

Or flow, discursively meandering. 

Now representing manhood's strength and years, 

Bold, forceful and resistless it careers ; 

Now spread abroad, its silent waters rest. 

With Heaven's own image mirror'd in its breast ; 



©. 



&=== = — ■ ■ — 

A POEM 31 

Now lapsing as witli age aud passive all 

Its rushiDg floods are hurried to their fall, 

And plunging madly down and wildly tost, 

In Mohawk's bosom are engulf 'd aud lost. 

O, stream, thy music all devoid of art, 

Thrills through the chords of many a conscious heart, 

Restores the vanish'd scenes of buried years 

Till in its freshness all the past appears ; 

And vision'd forms of those Ave loved, are seen 

Moving before us as in life they'd been. 

0, stream, thy voices swell'd the lullaby, 

That sooth'd us in our helpless infancy ; 

Our gleeful childhood, in its merry round. 

Rejoiced in their monotony of sound ; 

And youth and manhood arc alike beguil'd. 

With the familiar notes that pleased the child ; 

Even at our earliest and our latest breath. 

They hymn our birth and reqviiem our death. 

0, scenes forever loved, forever dear ! 

0, memories that clustering mingle here ! 

0, halcyon days of youth, with hopes elate. 

And joys that promised a perrenuial date ; 

0, for a season re-assert your reign ; 

Come and beguile us with your dreams again. 

They come : the strong, the brave, the ardent, full 

Of youth's high hopes — the young, the beautiful, 

In life's primeval freshness to renew 

Love's sever'd chain and friendship's broken clew. 

We greet their coming, and with them we move 

In sweet companionship again to prove 



32 AMSTERDAM. 



The loved re-unions and the fit discourse 
Of a refined and cultured intercourse ; 
The manners bland the studied courtesy 
To win the approving glance of beauty's eye ; 
The strife of wit, a rival to outpeer 
In beauty's nice appreciating ear ; 
The excursions to augment our gather'd store 
Of Geologic or Botanic lore , 
The rides, the promenades, the adventurous rove, 
Toil's intervals, to friendship given and love ; 
The pause to dwell upon the landscape's charms 
And study Nature in her varied forms : 
The kindliuo; slance that thrilVd from heart to heart 
Blending two souls in one, no more to part ; 
These more than these to raptured fancy beam, 
And are they real ? are they but a dream ? 
Lo, in that brilliant lighted mansion fair 
A throng of cheerful guests are gather'd there ; 
"With their attendants, the afiianced stand 
Midmost, to bind the hymeneal band ; 
Youth, beauty, wealth are there and fashion's sheen, 
To celebrate and crown the nuptial scene. 
The rite perform'd — from all assembled there, 
Warm gratulations greet the wedded pair. 
With the fond Avish their future years may bring 
Of joy a flowing and perrennial spring. 
Yet of the brilliant throng assembled there, 
Where are the strong, the brave, the gay, the fair ? 
Where are the twain, in youth and beauty's pride, 
Supporting there, the bridegroom and the bride ? 



o^ 



A P E M . 33 

Deep in the rker's bed and ocean caves, 

Their spirits call us to their watery graA'es. 

Of manly beauty and a manly form, 

Of natiire kind and true— affections warm, 

Of powers adapted to a middle course, 

And fashioned more for elegance than force ; 

Of courtly manners and a polished mind 

Of tastes for social intercourse refined ; 

While in the midst of active life he moved. 

By fortune favor'd and by all approved, 

Anguished we saw our early, life long friend 

Woodruff untimely to the grave descend : (I) 

And Vedder ; not the marble's chissel'd grace (??i) 

Could emulate her matchless form and face ; 

Whose gorgeous beauty caused to pale away 

All lesser laghte beneath its dazzling ray ; 

And yet whose mind a brilliant gem was found 

Worthy the casket that enclosed it round ; 

With her what joys expired, what hopes were cross'd, 

Vedder, the beautiful the loved, the lost ! 

And where is he, that bold aspiring one 

Whose eagle-eyed ambition mock'd the sun ; 

Whose genius scorning on the earth to creep 

Essayed the towering cliff and giddy steep, 

Till on the topmost height he rose to stand, 

Compeering with the mighty of the land ? 

Hill, whom the muses mourn and genius weeps, (n)' 

Whose fame shall live while time its cycle sweeps. 

And Reid, the type of gentleness — of mild (o) 

Ingenuous nature — artless as a child ; 



34 AMSTERDAM. 



Whose sylph-like form and fine wrought Grecian face, 

Embodied all of loveliness and grace ; 

Whose affluent gifts of person and of mind 

Were all in meetest harmony combined ; 

One of those rare and radiant beings, found 

In poets dreams, but scarce on earthly ground ; 

Whose spirits too refined to dwell with clay, 

Just touch the world then heavenward wing away. 

where is she ? Stiles, Warring, Waters alt, (p) 

Who with their presence graced that nuptial hall ; 

Time, life, joy, gi'ief and death, why should men 

Extend their views to three score years and ten ; 

When all that friendship, all that love endears 

Is whelm'd amid the wreck of thirty years : 

As Ocean in its dark unfathom'd caves, 

Holds myriads entomb'd in watery graves, 

And with wreck'd navies strown, its bottom hides, 

Yet rolls rejoicing its unconscious tides ; 

Thus tho' o'er hosts ingulf 'd time's waters close, 

Sparkling and jubilant its current flows ; 

And life, tho' we deplore the loved ones gone, 

Deeper and broader proudly surges on : 

Young, ardent, bold, intent on high emprise, 

Lo, thronging multitudes around us rise ! 

And bloom and beauty crown each smiling scene, 

As if decay and death had never been. 

Even so, in thee, we mark no trace at all 

Of slow increase, of progress gradual, 

13ut perfect growth and strength, mature, tho' young. 

As Pallas-like to instant being sprung. 



A POEM-, 35 

Hail lovely village ! in thy growth we see 

The signal tokens of prosperity. 

Fair on thy hills and in thy valleys rise 

The monuments of skillful enterprise. 

Arts, manufactures, trades establlsh'd here 

Marshal'd thee on thy prosperous career ; 

Canals and railroads next enlarged thy range 

For commerce, merchandize and free exchange ; 

And gave all safe and cheap facilities 

Equal to those a city mart supplies. 

Of those who earlier, those who later strove 

Successfully, thy interests to improve, 

Who dead, yet for their worthy deeds are famed, 

Waters, Reid, Arnold, Sanford must be named ; (q) 

To living worth, no monument we raise, 

The tomb alone can sanctify our praise. 

Blest with the good material riches own, 

A better wealth thy destiny has won ; 

Science of every grade its blessings showers 

From A. B. C, to Academic bowers ; 

Four beauteous temples to religion rise 

Upon whose alters all may sacrifice. 

Studding thy spacious streets on every hand 

Majestic piles and model structures stand, 

And o'er the contour of thy beauteous whole, 

Art, wedding nature, chastens its control ; 

Yet in thy dwellers more to please we sec, 

A worthy brotherhood in unity. 

And noted above others to excel 

In order, morals and sound principle ; 



^a 



AMSTERDAM. 



With public spirit liberally eudow'd 

And active to promote the geueral good ; 

Lovers of freedom, disciplined and taught"' 

To hold " free speech, free action and free thoBght 

A priceless boon and heritage designed 

Not for themselves alone but all mankind. 

Such then thy ornaments, thy jewels are, 

Though thou art lovely, these are lovelier far. 

Ye favored dwellers, though you live among 

Scenes all unknown to fame and all unsung, 

Yet lovelier landscapes and far brighter skies 

Are yours, than Greeia's boast or Italy's. 

Breathing an atmosphere whose gales are health, 

Treading a soil whose ownership is wealth, 

The ways of fortune skillfully pursued 

You win its highest prize — material good ; 

But mammon worship enters not the plan 

That constitutes and forms the model man. 

Of lordly wealth possess'd and still to crave, 

Is both to be a tyrant and a slave ; 

Our real wealth consists in what we give, 

Not in what we possess or may receive ; 

If riches then increase and multiply, 

Confine them not, but give them wings to fly ; 

That while they scatter good to all around, 

You still may prosper more, and more abound ; 

This shall your natures liberally imbue, 

AVith all that's manly, generous, good and true • 

Yours be the purpose, in whatever sphere, 

To make men wiser, better, happier ; 



©" 



A P E M . 37 

Not only for your friends' and country's good, 
But toil for man — the general brotherhood : 
Thus shall your generous aims expanding here, 
Embrace the circling world within their sphere ; 
And realize God's providential plan, 
As, being men yourselves — to feel for man. 
Like pebbles dropped in ocean, worthy deeds 
Impelling all as wave on wave succeeds, 
With widening and expanding circles roll, 
Until their influence permeates the whole. 
Then labor, vice and ignorance to remove, 
To culture virtue, knowledge to improve ; 
And in your country's fame and honors won, 
Rejoice to find the general good your own. 
Yea vindicate our land from slavery's thrall 
Till from each fetter'd limb the shackles fall ; 
And speed the car of liberty to roll, 
From Alps to Ghauts, from Ganges to the pole ; 
Till throned oppression from its power is hurled 
And thine area. Freedom, is the world. 



^ • =a 



NOTES. 



(a) Mohawk River. — The Mohawk river takes its rise in 
the County of Oneida, runs easterly the distance of two hun- 
dred miles, and after passing over the Cohoes falls, divides into 
four sprouts, and so empties into the Hudson. Its valley con 
stitutes one of the great thoroughfares of the country, being 
traversed by the Erie Canal, the Central Railroad and a Tel- 
egraph line. 

(ij) Guy Park. — Now owned and occupied by James Stew- 
art Esq., is situated on the North bank of the Mohawk, one 
mile west of the village of Amsterdam. It was built by Sir 
William Johnson, for his son-in-law. Col. Guy Johnson, who 
succeeded Sir William as Indian Agent, and resided there till 
the events of the Revolution compelled him to seek a refuge in 
Canada. 

Fort Johnson, a stone edifice, two miles further west, was 
built by Sir William Johnson about the year 1740, and occu- 
pied by him, till he erected the "Hall" at what he designated 
" Mt. Johnson," near the present village of Johnstown, which 
was his home for several of the last years of his life. Sir 
John Johnson succeeded him at the Fort. Both edifices are 
still in good condition, retaining most of the original form and 
finish. What was really " the fort" however, stood on the hill 
near the mansion, but was long ago demolished. 

(c) Amsterdam. — The village of Amsterdam, situated on 
the north bank of the Mohawk, fifteen miles west of Schenec- 
tady, was, at the beginning of the present century, called Ved- 
dersburgh. Albert Vedder having located here and built a 
grist mill on the site now occupied by the flouring mill of Miller 
& Grant. His sons Harmanus and Nicholas were afterwards, 
prominent inhabitants. There was also a tavern near the site 
of Chasse's iron works. A store was soon after built by Mr. 
Thomas, and opposite to it, near Dr. PuUing's present resi- 
dence, a church was built for the Presbyterian Congregation, 
of which Mr. Ten Eyck was pastor. In 1805 a tavern was 



built, Avliere the Academy now stands, and soon afterwards the 
store passed into the hands of Reid & Arnold, and a fresh im- 
pulse was given to trade. It had a slow but steady advance- 
ment, Avith an occasional im2>rovement on its fine water power, 
but was not incorporated as a village till 1830. The old cov- 
ered six-horse wagons that whitened the turnpike, and made 
the taverns the greatest institutions in the valley, passed away 
with the opening of the canal and railway, and the forms of 
business and society were changed, to some extent, by the new 
order of things. 

The business and growth of the place have advanced more 
during the last ten years than in any former decade, and the 
prospect of increase, especially in its manufacturing interests, 
was never fairer than at the present time. The Chuctanunda 
creek, which comes down from the northern hills with a fall of 
several hundred feet, offers its power to the manufacurer's wheel 
at frequent intervals through the last mile of its downward 
course into the Mohawk. Its present population is about 3,000. 

(d) DeGkaff. — The DeGrafTs settled in this region over sixty 
years ago. They were numerous and respectable. The most 
noted of the name was Emanuel E. DeGraff Esq., who lived 
two miles east of the village. 

Marselis. — Nanning Marselis settled near Mamiy's corners, 
in 1800. Gabriel Manny lived near where the church now 
stands, and Joseph Hagaman lived at the falls, father north. 
Their first care was to have religious worship. After visiting 
difi'erent localities, they decided on the place to build a church, 
and these six-men knelt down on the ground, and in humble 
prayer, the place was consecrated to God. Mr. Marselis was 
all through his life a firm adherent to the faith he had adopted, 
and a liberal supporter of the gospel. After a life of devotion 
to the master, he was called away into rest, April 17th 185-1, 
aged 80 years. His widow still survives in her S-tth year. 

Vanderveer. — The Vanderveers are the descendants of 
John Vanderveer, who, for more than half a century, was an 
inhabitant of the town of Florida. One of his sons, Tunis I. 
Vanderveer Esq., a man of wealth.and influence, is a resident 
of this village. John Watts Vanderveer, lawyer, a descendant, 
lives at Fonda. 

Rev. Conrad Ten Eyck. — Rev. Conrad Ten Eyck, was pas- 
tor of the village church, for a few years, near the beginning of 
the present century. He afterwards moved to Owasco, Cayu- 
ga county, where he died, hr.ving labored many years in the 
ministry. 



The Groatp. — Philip Groat of Sclieuectady, bouglit a tract 
of land on tlic north side of the jVIohawk, twelve miles west of 
that city, in 1712. Four years after, when on his way with his 
family, to locate on l/Ksfarm, he Avas drowned in the attempt to 
cross the river on the ice. His widow with five children settled 
at the point now occupied by Swart's Mill, and the farm has 
been in the constant undisputed possession of the Groat family, 
down to the present time. Lewis, a son of Philip, erected a 
grist mill, which for many years did the grinding for all the in- 
habitants between Schenectady and the German Flats. In 1756 
this Lewis Groat, while sheltered from a shower of rain under an 
oak tree, near the road, was taken by four Indians, carried 
to Canada, and kept four years in captivity; his family in the 
meantime, knowing nothing of his fate. His grandson, Jeremi- 
ah Groat, born in 1805, is the present owner and occupant of 
the " old Homestead.''' 

OsTEKiiouT. — An early settler and a noted innkeeper. 

(e) Silliman. — Piev. Ebenezer H. Silliman was settled over 
the church at Amsterdam in ISlo, and though not spared to 
labor with this people quite three years, he left with them 
the testimony of a faithful and successful ministry, and died 
a triumphant death in October 1815, in the 33d year of his 
age. 

(f) Rev. IIalsey A. Wood. — The Rev. Halsey A. Wood was 
born at Ballston in the year 1793, was educated at Union Col- 
lege, Schenectady, and at Princetown Theological Seminary. 
He was called to the pastorate in the year 1815, and died in the 
year 1825, in the 33d year of his age, and the tenth of his min- 
istry. Rich spiritual blessings descended on the church during 
these years, one hundred and thirty being added on profession 
of their faith, in 1820. 

(g) The Rev. James Wood. — The Rev. James Wood was 
born in Greenfield, Saratoga county, in the year 1801, w%as ed- 
ucated at Union College, and at Princeton Theological Semin- 
ary. He was settled in the misistry at Amsterdam in the year 
1826, in which he continued until the year 1833, when through 
the failure of his health he resigned the pastoral office. Hav- 
ing been engaged for several years in im])ortant agencies in be- 
half of various benevolent objects, he at length recovered his 
health. He is how president of the Hanover College, Indiana. 

(ii) Rev. Hugh M. Koontz.— The Rev. Hugh M. Koontz 
of Pennsylvania, was educated at Washington College, was set- 
tled for a while at Philadelphia, was called to the church at 



.9 



ximsterdam iu the year 1834, and after a pastorate of less than 
three years, he died in the year 1836 in the 33d year of his age. 

(i) Deacon Joseph Clizbe.-^ — A native of Newark, N. J., 
was trained up under the religious instructions of Dr. Mc- 
Whorter. He became an inhabitant of the town sixty years ago. 
The prominent traits of his character are summed up in the 
poem, and the same may be said of his son Ira Clizbe, Esq., 
mentioned iu another part of the poem, who was bred to the 
law, and practised his profession for several years, in the city 
of New York. He died some fifteen years since at Owego, 
holding at the time of his death, the office of Judge of Tioga 
Co. Darius and Ellis the other sons of Joseph, live in Amster- 
dam. Ellis Clizbe Esq., occupies the homestead, one and a 
half mile north of the village. He is a man of vigorous intel- 
lect, cultivated and matured by study and reflection. His 
views in regard to our civil and religious duties and responsibil- 
ities are far in advance of the average sentiment. But the 
world must soon be led to occupy his stand point, if it is destin- 
ed to make progres in the right direction. 

(j) Mrs. Nancy Sample. 

(k) The Chuctanunda takes its rise in the northern part of 
the town, and running south through the village of Amsterdam, 
empties into the Mohawk. Another similar stream comes in 
from the oppositie side. Hence the name, which signifies in 
the Indian language " Twin Sisters." 

(l) Samuel M. Woodruff was born in Charlton, Saratoga 
county, educated at Union College, studied law with Knight 
& Reynolds, at Amsterdam, became a law partner of Marcus 
T. Reynolds at Albany* practised his profession for several years 
in the city of New York, and was lost on board the ship Arctic. 

(m) Miss Emily Vedder, afterwards the wife of Charles 
Bartlett Esq., Principal of the Poughkeepsie Collegiate Insti- 
tute, perished on board the steamer Henry Clay, on its passage 
to New York. 

(n) Nicholas Hill Esq., whose name and reputation arc 
too widely known to require any record here. 

(o) Miss Minerva Reid, Daughter of Wm. Reid Esq.. mer- 
chant of this village, afterwards married to the ReVo Meritt 
Bates. 

(p) Miss Clarissa Stiles, daughter of Barney Stiles, Esq., 
married B. V. S. Vedder Esq., of Schenectady. 

Miss Rebecca Warring, daughter of Jeremiah Warring, 
Esq., subsequently became the wife of Harvey Bell, merchant 
of Amsterdam. 



42 REFERENCES. 



Miss Louisa Waters daughter of Andreas Waters, Esq., af- 
terwards married to Peter M. Borst, merchant of Amsterdam. 

(q) Andreas Waters, with his brother Salmon, estalblighed 
themselves in the scythe and axe making business, about the 
beginning of the present century. They were men of enter- 
prise and energy and contributed largely to the growth and 
prosperity of the village. 

• William Reid and Benedict Arnold were among our old- 
est and most successful merchants. Mr. Reid was a man of 
quiet, unassuming manners and gained a high character for in- 
tegrity and moral worth. Few men have contributed more to 
the secular and religious interests of the community than Gen. 
Benedict Arnold. The estimation in which he was held by 
his fellow citizens is seen in the various ports of honor and 
trust, both civil and military, which he was called to occupy. 

John Sanford, Esq., will long be remembered as a most ef- 
ficient promoter of the mercantile and manufacturing interests 
of this community. A residence of a few years having render- 
ed his merits conspicuous, he was chosen a representative in 
Congress and he was afterwards elected State Senator, but the 
crown of his life, like that of Gen. Arnold, was his becoming a 
consistent and humble christiaa. 



m-. 



APPENDIX. 



A few appended statistics, showing Amsterdam as it now is 
— its surface-life, with the present actors in the busy scenes, 
whether toiling in the departments of mind or matter, in com- 
mercial pursuits or in the various arts, may not be inappropri- 
ate in connection with the preceding Poem, which refers chiefly 
to the Amsterdam of other days, yet chronicles its advancement, 
dwells somewhat on its present scenes, and looks forward with 
hopeful eye into the future. 

- If all that remain residents here, of those who constituted the 
inhabitants of this village, thirty years ago, were gathered into 
one assembly, we believe it would be found a very worthy com- 
pany, but it would not be very numerous. Probably much the 
greater part have either gone to reside in other localities, or 
have become dwellers in that land, unknown by mortals, on the 
other side of death's cold river. We come and pass away, like 
the passengers in a crowded thoroughfare ; and though the 
throng is constant, the people of to-day are not the same as 
those of yesterday. A succession of travelers, arriving and de- 
parting, people earth's changing cities. 

A succession of fires, from 1S53 to 1856, burned over neai-- 
ly the whole business part of the village, but it was promptly 
rebuilt, in a much more enduring manner and in better style, 
so that the buildings in the central part of Main Street will 
compare favorably at the present time, with the stores and 
shops of any other country village. 

VILLAGE OF AMSTEKDAM, 

May 1, 1860. 

GrOVERNMENT — President. — Isaac Morris. 

Trustees. — D. W. TenBrook, James H. Winne, A. W. Kline, 
Thomas S. Fancher, John McDonald, George Bell. C. P. Win- 
egar, Clk. 



Assessors.— 11. S. McElwam, Geo. Warnick, F. T. B. Sam- 
mons. 

Collector. — E.Wadswortb. Treasurer. — George 0. Warring. 

Clergymen. — A. L. Chapiu, P., J. Fitzpatrick, C, M. S. 
Goodale, P., J. A. Eobinson, E., R. H. Robinson, M., R. Win- 
egar, B. 

SciiooLS — Academy. — E. 0. Hovey, Principal; A. J. 
Robb, Mathematics ; J. S. P. Grant, Music ; Miss A. M. 
Parmelee, Preceptress. 

Public Schools. — Dist. No. 8, — Jas. Hart, Principal, Miss A. 
Shoots, Assistant. Board of Ed. — Isaac Morris, Pres ; D. D. 
Brown, Clk; H. T. VanNest, J. V. Mar.selis, W. Sweet, F. T. 
B. Sammons. Dist. No. 11, — A. W. Cox, Principal, Miss E. 
Settle, Assistant. Board of Ed. — X. Haywood, Pres ; J. Mc- 
Donnell, Clk., L. Y. Gardiner, W. Moody, J. McDonald, W. 
K. Greene, Jr., S. P. Heath, C Deveudorf, J. A. Hanson. 

SuND.vY Schools — Supeinntendents. — J. E. Hawley, P.; E. 
0. Hovey, B.; L. Y. Gardiner, M.; J. A. Robinson, E. 

Lawyers. — S. Belding, Jr., D. P. Corey, P. Creigbton, S. 
P. Heath, J. I. Radcliffe, A. Sheldon, J. L. Yoorhees, C. P. 
Winegar. 

Physicians. — D. L. Carroll, J. C. Crocker, C. Devendorf, 
A. PullinjT, J. G. Snell, S. Voorhecs, J. Yanderpool, J. N. 
White. jbenHst—J. C Duell. 

Merciiaxts — Dry Goods — Blood & Putman, Hawley, & 
Cady, F. E. Pinto, A. W. Kline, J. S. Crane. Groceries — J. 
McDonnell & Co., A. V. Morris, D. McFarlan & Co., Wem- 
ple & Peek, J. J. Bassett, T. A. Fitzpatrick. Grain and Pro- 
visions — George Bell. Hardware — L. Y. Gardiner, J. War- 
ring & Son, Pettit, Jackson & Co. Cloihing-Scott & Hewitt, F. 
T. B. Sammons, E. I. Purdy, L. Davis & Bros., J. D. Clute, 
H. Z. Bailey. Boots and Shoes — C. Bartlett, U. Loucks, A. 
Peck, D. Hewitt. MilHnery — Mrs. Hubbs, Hinchman, Mrs. 
Abbott, Mrs. DeGraff. Watches and Jewelry — F. Dauth, A. 
Martin. Drugs and Medicines — J. W. Sturtevant, H. & H. 
Wendell, A. Pulling, G. Bassett. Lumber — A. Birch. Coal. 
— D LefFerts, (Port Jackson). Variety.^ Confectionary, &c. — 
W. Council, A. Vosburg. Meat Markets — Luddon & Barber, 
D. \\ . Sturtevant. 

Manufactup.ers. — Ca?7je/s— W. K. Greene, .Tr , S. Sanford. 
Linseed OiY— Kellogg, Miller & Co. Shirts arid Drawers — 
W. K. Green, Jr., Maxwell & Kline, J. C Millez*. Carriage 
Springs — Delamater, Shulcr & Viele. 3Iowers and Beapers 



— ^-Mulley, VanNest & Co , A. Marcellus. Bolts — Bell & Mar- 
cellus. Flour and il/raZ— Miller & Grant. Skates — W L. 
Gregory. Cigars - F. Scluitz. Machinery, Castings, d:c — H. 
S. IVJcElwain, J. M. Harvey & Son, C. Chase. Metallic Bur- 
ial Cases — I. C. Shuler tfc Co. Cabinet Ware — I. C. Shuler, 
O. S. Warren. Timvare — L. Y. Gardiner, J. Warring & Son, 
Pettit, Jackson & Co., D. Mutimer. Malt—G. Miller, W. 
Lambier, D. W. TenBrook. §^iSoa^:> arid Candles — Wm. Moody. 
Building Materials— 3. M. Clark, S & W. Birch, A. Young, 
Jr. Harness — C. Stone, J. Close, M. C. Young. Sleighs, 
Wagons, <{:c. — C. Colebrook, Knapp & Pierson, J. L. Young. 
Marble — S. Messenger. Dress Making — IMiss McDonald, 
Mrs. Hart, Mr.s Connell. Gents' Clothing — 0. C. Baldwin, 
B. H. Knight. Brooms, do— 1. L. Brouson & Co. 

Miscellaneous. — Young Men's Christian Association — 
President — Moses T. Kehoe ; Vice Presidents - H. Wendell, 
Jas. A. Miller, J. E. Eldret; Recording Sec— Jas. H- Bron- 
son; Cor. Sec. — Jas. Hart; Treas — HI. Purdy; Librarian 
— A. Weniple. 

PiUN'TiN'G.— Amsterdam Recorder and Job Office — X. Hay- 
wood, Editor and Proprietor. Barbers — A. Neff, A. Gilliland. 
Post Office — J. French, P. M. Insurance — W. B. Knox, P. 
Creighton, T. Stewart. 

Military. — Amsterdam. Citizejis' Co7-ps — Jas. H. Wiiine, 
Capt.; I. Jackson, Jr., 1st Lieut; John Stewart, 2d Lieut. 

Masonic — Artizan Lodge, No. 8-4— Geo. C. Bell, M ; Jas. 
Warring, S. W ; A Marcellus, J. W. 

Green Hill Cemetery Association. — D. W. TenBrook, Pres. 
J. J. Schuyler, Vice Pre.s.; Samuel C. Balding, Secy.; J. W. 
Sturtevant, Treas. 

Hotels. — J. Liverraore, L Bulson, H. Sample, H. Freeman. 

Fire Department — Chief Engineer — F. E. Pinto. 3Io- 
hawk No. 1 — Foreman, John McDonnell ; Asst., Jas. Warring. 
Cascade No. 2 — Foreman, John McClumpha, Jr.; Asst., J. T. 
Bunn. 

Banks. — Fanners' Bank of Amstcrdayn — Isaac Jackson, 
Pres ; M . Barnes, Vice Pres ; D. D. Cassidy, Cashier. Ex- 
change and Banking Office — C. Miller. 

Blacksmiths. — N. B. Shaw, A. Zeller. News Boom — D. D. 
Brown Cooperage — A. Smith. Painters and Glaziers — H. 
V. B. Easton, J. H. Winne, W. Hewitt, F. D. Lingenfelter.— 
Photograph and Ambrotype — Pulver & Farnham, T. Hewitt. 
Gunsmith — W. Parker. 



REMARKS, 



The foregoing appendix is completed under the pressure of 
other duties, that prevented such visits to the places of business 
as would insure the strictest accuracy. Omissions there may be, 
and probably are ; but they are unintentional. We think there 
would be no impropriety in including Port Jackson ; for though 
distinct in their organization, the business and interests of the 
two places are essentially one. 

In the Poem, owing to circumstances that seemed to make it 
neoossary, some changes were made that we ^ere not able to 
correct in the proper place, but can here restore the lines as in- 
tended by the author : 

On page 6th, after the 10th line from top, read — 

Fair mirroring on thy breast th' incumbent woods, 
Through scores of centuries' unchanging moods, 

On the same page, after '' As if in haste, &c.," read — 



The music of their voices knows no fall, 
Aye, constant, changeless and perpetual. 



PUBLISHER. 



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By HORACE SPRAGUE. 




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